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Detroit Tigers: 5 Breakout Candidates for 2016

By Griffin Fabits

Mar 29, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; A general view of a Detroit Tigers hat, glove and sunglasses in the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; A general view of a Detroit Tigers hat, glove and sunglasses in the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers Nick Castellanos
Aug 20, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) hits a sacrifice fly to score Miguel Cabrera (not pictured) in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Castellanos

Formerly known as a highly regarded prospect in a thin minor league system, Nick Castellanos was set to be the future of the Tigers.

As a rookie in 2014, Castellanos slashed .259/.306/.394. His numbers were nothing to bat an eye over, but he did show some power, hitting 11 home runs with 66 RBIs.

The following year, he swatted 15 home runs with 73 RBIs, but hit a disappointing .255. His below-average defensive ability at third base caused Andrew Romine to be his late-inning replacement during close games.

Castellanos committed 15 errors in his rookie season in 2014, and 12 the following year. His -0.7 DWAR (defensive wins above replacement) ranked among the worst third baseman in the league.

The upside in a 24-year old Castellanos is his potential at the plate. His slugging percentage rose from .394 to .419 from 2014 to 2015. His plate discipline is improving, as the number of pitches he swung at in his rookie year decreased the year after.

His defensive woes are cause for concern. But while he is young, and just two years into the league, Castellanos has the ability to be an above-average hitter, and as he matures, his defense will as well.

Next: Jose Iglesias

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